Online dressage shows

[Draftmare]

Curious if anybody has done one before and what your experience was, and what website you used. I keep seeing ads for Better Dressage Scores, which offers online test scoring for $19. Film any USEF/USDF/FEI test you want and send it in to be judged. Trying to get an idea of what kind of judges they use, the website just says “a real dressage judge.” There is also Dressage Academy, and Dressage Anywhere, though the last one looks like its more for people in the UK.

Anyway, I am intrigued by the idea. My first show of the year is looking like it’s going to be a USDF show (I have shown entirely GMO up to this point), and I really like the idea of getting some feedback on my tests before I spend the money at my first big show.

[rockonxox]

You could just post it here for free and I’m sure everyone would jump in with tips

[BigMama1]

I plan to try dressageshowonline.com this month - will let you know how it goes

[Training_Cupid]

I think it’s hard to create the whole show environment without actually being at a show, so if you’re just taping your ride at home I don’t think this video service would add a whole lot of value if you’re already working with a competent trainer.
I don’t think I’ve ever gotten a comment from a judge that came as a surprise, or wasn’t something my trainer has been telling me for weeks!

[Draftmare]

@BigMama1

I plan to try dressageshowonline.com this month - will let you know how it goes

Yes please do!

[Draftmare]

@Training Cupid

I think it’s hard to create the whole show environment without actually being at a show, so if you’re just taping your ride at home I don’t think this video service would add a whole lot of value if you’re already working with a competent trainer.
I don’t think I’ve ever gotten a comment from a judge that came as a surprise, or wasn’t something my trainer has been telling me for weeks!

While I have instruction, I am more looking for an idea of what kind of score I will be looking at at my first show and where in the test I can work to improve my scores. I have found that it is often the little things that can raise the rider a percentage point or two!

Thankfully my mare is the exact same horse away from home as she is at home.

[scruffy_the_cat]

A good instructor should be able to do this. In fact, lots of instructors, when teaching, will say things like “that is a 5 trot” or show you what’s involved in a 7 or 8 trot. It’s a good training tool so you can feel what’s correct. Same things with accuracy. In your lessons, you should already be riding for accuracy to the letters or figures so you already know what to expect. The training process should be responsible for already knowing roughly where you are, score-wise.

$@!# happens at shows (big spooks or some other dumb luck) but for the fundamentals, you should already know what to expect even before you load the horse on the trailer. If you have no idea if you’re riding at 50% or 70%, then some discussions with your instructor are in order.

[DressageLin]

A few years ago there was a website (maybe horseshowonline.com) that I used. I was getting ready to make the leap to third level, and I only get instruction about once a month. In those lessons, we usually weren’t focused on how to ride the test because I still needed so much help with everything else. I used the online show and got wonderful comments from Natalie Lamping about what my horse needed to develop to be successful at that level. I think it can be a great tool for feedback about geometry and overall level of balance, collection, etc. for the level. Of course it does not simulate the stress of showing, but it can give you some “big picture” feedback that is helpful.

[TMares]

I too think you could post it here and get some decent feedback, but sadly unless you have a great videographer the judge -or we- will have a hard time seeing how well you used your corners or if you were early or late on a transition. that zooming in and out is tricky. Practice makes perfect

[Snowdenfarm]

I know people who do interdressage.com’s online shows. All these online shows are kind of like doing a fix-a-test (without the re-ride, lol), only cheaper and you do not have to travel. It is also great to get a set of eyes on you other than your trainer. Heck, just watching your own video is a huge learning tool.

[Draftmare]

@DressageLin

A few years ago there was a website (maybe horseshowonline.com) that I used. I was getting ready to make the leap to third level, and I only get instruction about once a month. In those lessons, we usually weren’t focused on how to ride the test because I still needed so much help with everything else. I used the online show and got wonderful comments from Natalie Lamping about what my horse needed to develop to be successful at that level. I think it can be a great tool for feedback about geometry and overall level of balance, collection, etc. for the level. Of course it does not simulate the stress of showing, but it can give you some “big picture” feedback that is helpful.

This is the boat that I am currently in. I have two dressage instructors, but I only see either of them once a month, if that. One of them is actually a USDF “L” judge and does on occasion give me score feedback, but I have to travel to her. Right now that isn’t happening until the ground around my storage shed is snow free and firm enough for me to get my trailer out. While I am not moving up in level, I am moving up in caliber of show, and that has me a bit nervous.

[Charanga2011]

I don’t think there is anything wrong with doing this, especially if it will help calm your nerves before a big show. Not all of us are lucky enough to have weekly lessons and I am in the same boat as you in that regard. Gives you good feedback, and areas to focus on inbetween those precious lessons! I also find it extremely helpful to have someone video me and for me to watch it back. I have a very good eye and it gives me things to work on. Of course, an instructor is vital in real time so you can FEEL what is going right, or what is going wrong.

[TMares]

@Draftmare

This is the boat that I am currently in. I have two dressage instructors, but I only see either of them once a month, if that. One of them is actually a USDF “L” judge and does on occasion give me score feedback, but I have to travel to her. Right now that isn’t happening until the ground around my storage shed is snow free and firm enough for me to get my trailer out. While I am not moving up in level, I am moving up in caliber of show, and that has me a bit nervous.

You know what you might do? Get your tests filmed and sit down and study them yourself, with the test in front of you. Watch a movement. Pause. Score it, make your notes. Start again. Pause, Score the next movement. etc. I have learned so much about my own riding when I do this. THings that felt amazing on the horse were all sorts of MEH onscreen LOL.

Just a thought- have you done that? Like Sho Nuff set the camera up at C and GO.

[CanteringCarrot]

@TMares

You know what you might do? Get your tests filmed and sit down and study them yourself, with the test in front of you. Watch a movement. Pause. Score it, make your notes. Start again. Pause, Score the next movement. etc. I have learned so much about my own riding when I do this. THings that felt amazing on the horse were all sorts of MEH onscreen LOL.

Just a thought- have you done that? Like Sho Nuff set the camera up at C and GO.

I do this. DH bought me a new video recorder/camera for Christmas and he is quite skilled at using it. He videos lessons and rides on my own. I have learned a bit by watching myself. I think it is really useful…and sometimes (surprisingly) it looks better than it feels… But there is always the opposite of course :lol:​​​​​​

Part of me wants to do this online dressage show thing for the pure novelty of it. I have a great trainer, but I think I’d be interesting.

[BigMama1]

I don’t think online shows try to replicate the real thing, and they certainly aren’t a replacement for your trainer’s advice, but getting feedback from someone completely objective who knows nothing about you, your horse, or your history can often be really helpful.

[Dressagelvr]

It all depends on who is doing the judging. What are their credentials??

The last thing you need is bad advice from an unqualified person.

[Quickstar]

I did horseshow.com (?) about 4-5 years ago. The site doesn’t exist anymore, but I did a couple of shows & clinics on there with very well respected judges. I remember doing a clinic with Janet Foy who provided voice over commentary about my geometry & how to pick up points–very helpful. The show part was fun too. I believe Natalie Lamping may have been one of the judges. The cost to do it was cheap and the prize was a cash & a ribbon. It was fun getting the ribbons in the mail. No it did not replicate a real show environment, but I got good feedback & it was fun waiting for scores. Again, this site had very well respected judges & clinicians.

[BigMama1]

@Dressagelvr

It all depends on who is doing the judging. What are their credentials??

The last thing you need is bad advice from an unqualified person.

They are L program grads. Should be competent to judge First Level, I think.

[Draftmare]

@BigMama1

I don’t think online shows try to replicate the real thing, and they certainly aren’t a replacement for your trainer’s advice, but getting feedback from someone completely objective who knows nothing about you, your horse, or your history can often be really helpful.

My thoughts exactly.